Key takeaways
- Brace for kickback. Large bits can bind and twist the tool. Use the side handle if it has one, stand with a stable stance, and follow the manual’s guidance.
- Know what is in the wall. Before drilling through framing, confirm there are no wires or pipes in the path. For anything electrical, use a stud and wire detector and turn off power at the breaker; if you are unsure, contact a licensed electrician.
- Wear protection. Safety glasses, hearing protection when needed, and dust protection if you are drilling treated lumber or old materials.
- Use sharp bits. Dull bits increase load on the tool and the risk of binding.
- Battery care. Use only the battery and charger the maker approves, and avoid leaving batteries in extreme heat.
For most homeowners and tradespeople who need to drill between studs or joists, a compact cordless right angle drill from a platform they already own, such as the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or M12 FUEL, DeWalt 20V MAX or FlexVolt, or Makita 18V LXT, is the best choice; a low-cost right angle chuck attachment for a standard drill is enough for occasional jobs in tight spots. The deciding factors are head height, chuck size, power for the bit diameters you use, and whether the tool shares batteries with the rest of your kit.
Our top picks
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Right Angle Drills at a Glance
| Tool type | Example | Best for | Stated traits | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18V full-size right angle | Milwaukee M18 FUEL right angle drill | Drilling framing members, large auger or self-feed bits, electrical and plumbing rough-in | The maker lists a 1/2-inch chuck, brushless motor, and a compact head for working between studs | Heavier than 12V tools, needs two hands and good bracing |
| 12V compact right angle | Milwaukee M12 FUEL right angle drill | Tight wall cavities, cabinets, overhead drilling | The maker lists a small head and light weight for confined access | Less torque for large bits in dense lumber |
| 20V / FlexVolt right angle | DeWalt DCD460 FlexVolt or 20V MAX models | Heavy framing drilling for DeWalt battery owners | The maker lists higher-capacity FlexVolt battery support on the larger model | Larger and pricier than light-duty tools |
| 18V LXT right angle | Makita 18V LXT right angle drill | Makita battery owners wanting a balanced tool | The maker lists compact body and common 18V battery use | Check the chuck capacity before buying large bits |
| Chuck attachment | Right angle adapters from Milwaukee Shockwave and others | Occasional jobs, tiny spaces, driving screws in tight corners | Clamps to a standard drill or driver, converts straight to 90 degrees | Lower output, extra length behind the drill, slower and less stable |
What to Look For
Head height and body length
Standard framing places studs on 16-inch or 24-inch centers, leaving a clear cavity of roughly fourteen and a half or twenty-two and a half inches. Joist bays vary, and floor trusses and engineered joists leave even less room. A right angle drill is designed to fit in those spaces with the bit aligned to the framing. Look at the maker’s stated head height and overall length: a shorter tool lets you drill in tight floor joist bays, while a larger one gives you more leverage but may not fit. Remember that the length of the battery also counts.
Chuck size and bit types
Many right angle drills use a 1/2-inch keyless chuck, which accepts auger bits, self-feed bits, hole saws, and large spade bits. Smaller 3/8-inch chucks on lighter models accept standard twist bits but cap at lower capacities. Check the maker’s stated maximum drilling capacity in wood so you know whether you can run, for example, a 1-1/2-inch self-feed bit. Large bits can grab and spin the tool, so match the bit to the tool’s torque and keep both hands on the drill.
Speed and torque
Models usually have two or more speed settings. The low setting suits big bits and hole saws; the high setting suits small bits and drivers. Reviewers often call out torque and clutch behavior as the main difference between light-duty and full-size tools. Because specs vary by model, read the maker’s stated torque or speed ranges and compare them for the same bit sizes you intend to use.
Battery platform
For most buyers this is the strongest argument. If you already own Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V MAX, or Makita 18V LXT batteries, buying the matching bare tool is usually the most economical route. Bare-tool versions omit the battery and charger, so confirm what is in the box. If you are starting from scratch, pick the platform that has the other tools you may need, such as an impact driver or reciprocating saw.
Clutch, trigger, and reverse
An adjustable clutch is useful for driving fasteners but may not be present on every right angle model. A variable-speed trigger and forward-reverse switch should be reachable with one hand while the tool is in a stud bay. Some tools have side handles; for big bits, a side handle gives a safer grip.
LED and ergonomics
Dark cavities are common, so an LED on the head is useful. Reviewers also comment on balance: a heavy battery on a short body can make the tool tip toward the back, so consider the weight and whether you will work overhead.
Top Picks by Need
Milwaukee M18 FUEL right angle drill: best for heavy framing work
Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL right angle drill is a common choice among electricians and plumbers drilling through studs, plates, and joists with large bits. The maker lists a 1/2-inch chuck and brushless motor. Reviewers generally point to its strong output and compact head compared with a standard drill and a long bit. It sits at the premium tier and runs on M18 batteries, so it is most attractive if you already own them.
Milwaukee M12 FUEL right angle drill: best for tight spaces and overhead work
The M12 FUEL right angle model is much smaller and lighter than the 18V tool, which makes it comfortable for ceiling work and narrow cavities. The tradeoff is lower capacity with big bits, so it fits cabinet installers, low-voltage electricians, and those drilling small to medium holes. It is typically positioned at the mid-range to premium tier.
DeWalt right angle drills: best for DeWalt battery owners
DeWalt offers right angle drills across its 20V MAX and FlexVolt lines, including the DCD460 FlexVolt model aimed at heavy-duty drilling. If you already use DeWalt batteries, this is the logical route. Reviewers say the larger model handles big bits well but is bigger than the compact alternatives, so confirm the head height against the framing you work in.
Makita 18V LXT right angle drill: best for Makita users
Makita’s 18V LXT right angle drill is designed for those already in the LXT ecosystem. It uses the same batteries as many Makita tools, so a bare-tool purchase is often the efficient approach. As with other brands, compare the stated chuck size and maximum capacities before deciding it can handle large bits.
Right angle attachment: best budget solution
A chuck attachment that clamps onto the front of your existing drill is the lowest cost route. Milwaukee’s Shockwave line and other makers sell versions. They are useful for driving screws into tight corners or drilling small holes. Reviewers caution that they add length behind the tool, may need a good support grip, and are not ideal for repeated heavy drilling because the drill’s chuck does the work in an awkward alignment.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| Pick this | If you |
|---|---|
| 18V full-size right angle drill | Drill many large holes through studs or joists, such as for wiring or pipes |
| 12V compact right angle drill | Work in tight cavities or overhead and use small to medium bits |
| Same-brand tool as your batteries | Already own a 18V or 20V platform and want to save on batteries and chargers |
| Chuck attachment | Need it for a few jobs a year and own a good drill |
| Corded model | Need continuous heavy use without worrying about battery runtime |
Safety and Use Notes
- Brace for kickback. Large bits can bind and twist the tool. Use the side handle if it has one, stand with a stable stance, and follow the manual’s guidance.
- Know what is in the wall. Before drilling through framing, confirm there are no wires or pipes in the path. For anything electrical, use a stud and wire detector and turn off power at the breaker; if you are unsure, contact a licensed electrician.
- Wear protection. Safety glasses, hearing protection when needed, and dust protection if you are drilling treated lumber or old materials.
- Use sharp bits. Dull bits increase load on the tool and the risk of binding.
- Battery care. Use only the battery and charger the maker approves, and avoid leaving batteries in extreme heat.
Budget Tiers
Budget: chuck attachments and entry-level corded or brushed right angle drills, adequate for light and occasional use. Mid-range: compact 12V cordless tools and some store-brand 18V options. Premium: brushless 18V and 20V tools from Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita aimed at daily trade use.
Alternatives
- Stubby drill or impact driver. Some compact drills are short enough for moderate cavities and are worth considering if you rarely need 90-degree access.
- Flexible drill shaft. A flex shaft lets you drive bits around corners at lower torque. It suits small holes and awkward angles.
- Hand tools. A brace and bit remains an option for occasional holes and works without a battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a right angle drill used for?
It drills or drives fasteners in spots where a regular drill cannot fit straight on, such as between studs, in joist bays, or inside cabinets. Electricians and plumbers use it to run holes through framing. It is also handy for overhead and tight-corner work.
Is a right angle drill better than an attachment?
For regular use, a dedicated right angle drill is generally stronger and more stable. An attachment is cheaper and fine for occasional work. Reviewers note attachments add length and may reduce power.
What size chuck do I need?
A 1/2-inch chuck handles larger auger, self-feed, and hole saw bits, while a 3/8-inch chuck is fine for smaller bits and screws. Match the chuck to your largest bit and read the maker’s capacity ratings.
Can I use a right angle drill for driving screws?
Yes, many models are suitable for driving screws in tight spaces, particularly those with a clutch. For heavy fastening, an impact driver or right angle impact driver may be better suited.
Are 12V right angle drills powerful enough?
For small to medium bits and light framing, many users find them sufficient. For large bits through dense lumber, an 18V or 20V tool typically gives more margin. Read the maker’s stated capacities for the bit sizes you plan to use.
Do I need a corded or cordless right angle drill?
Cordless is more convenient for working in attics, crawlspaces, and walls. Corded tools offer continuous power and are often chosen for long production runs. Pick based on where you work and whether you already own the batteries.
